I was recently diagnosed on October 25 with invasive lobular stage 2 after having an ultrasound biopsy following initial mammogram. Consulted with surgeon who ordered an MRI and gene test. Gene test came back negative for concerns about having any of the problem genes. If positive I was prepared to remove both breasts but that wasn’t a concern. It is estrogen-based not particularly aggressive —however… After the MRI results came in the surgeon called to say that a large mass was discovered and if it comes back positive after a biopsy a lumpectomy will not be an option. They tried to do an ultrasound biopsy but could not locate what had showed up on the MRI so now I am waiting for an MRI biopsy and due to lack of staff in my area it’s not possible to get one for almost another month.
The surgeon says if I am prepared to proceed with a mastectomy we could get started with that sooner but if I want to save the breast recommendation is to get the biopsy for a definitive answer with regard to what’s going on with the mass.
I have heavy breasts double D. age 65. Divorced since 2010. Can’t imagine rejoining the dating world anyway -but how would that be without reconstruction? The idea of implants does not appeal to me at all and it sounds like a pretty torturous process so I thought perhaps taking my belly fat and moving it to the missing boob might be the solution but they don’t do that in my local area and I would have to go to a specialty hospital for it about four hours away from me.
So maybe I should just get it removed and not worry about reconstruction and just wear a fake prosthesis under my clothes? And just learn to live with my body being lopsided with clothes off…man there’s a lot to unpack emotionally here.
I need to decide now:
wait another month to get the MRI biopsy and then see if the breast can be saved — which means do a lumpectomy and deal with the radiation after… Or possibly after waiting all that time discover lumpectomy is not an option after all and have the mastectomy anyway. OR
just accept mastectomy as best option for getting rid of the cancer and move forward with this sooner rather than later…
everyone says that I have to make the decision that’s best for me and I honestly in this moment I have no freaking idea what will be “easier” to live with — I guess the point is to live… And quality of life. Anyway I appreciate any thoughts or experience that anyone can share about any or all of the above. thank you
I wanted to reach out and say hi and I’m so sorry you have had this diagnosis. It’s rubbish and rotten and doesn’t seem fair.
Everyone is different, but like you, I was diagnosed with lobular BC in July 22. I decided to have a mastectomy. I could have ‘tried’ with a lumpectomy but my surgeon said there was a risk I would have had to have gone back for a mastectomy; plus the area was significant (40mm) so there wouldn’t have been much left! I had reconstruction at the same time and opted for the implant. I have been lucky (apart from the cancer ) in that I haven’t had any complications.
These decisions are big and scary and I can’t tell you what is right for you, but I would certainly a) get yourself on the wait list for the MRI - you can always pull out and b) read up about the different reconstruction/ go flat options and take your time to work out what is best for you. It may be by the time your MRI comes around, you have worked out your best course of action. My final bit of advice is to be prepared to make changes according to new information. I know this can be hard, but with new knowledge; recommendations and best outcomes may change. Wishing you all the very best for your treatment and know you aren’t alone. Zoe (age 49, Grade 2, Stage 2, Lobular BC, ER+, HER2-)
first of all i just want to tell how sorry I am you have cancer and have to make all those decisions . The positive from my point of you that your cancer is not fast growing, hence it gives a bit of space to think.
So first of all, why not to wait for the MRI biopsy and investigate all the options.can you have a lumpectomy and then reduce your other breast in case the tomour is large?
Another option if you feel really worried about waiting, is to go flat and then consider reconstrution in future, so it will give you space and time to think…
While flap reconstruction is always the most complex surgery, it is worth to consider if you feel strongly againts the implants, despite no local options. I personally also had a consultation about flap reconstruction (as i was unsure about radio to start with). I did not have an option to use stomach fat, due to my small frame.I have decided to have a lumpectomy and radio at the end, but it was truly good to have all the information, so no regrets.
I totally feel for you and know that information comes so thick and fast that your mind will “whizz” with confusion!
If it helps, I had a masectomy with immediate reconstruction using implants. It’s very early days yet but I am really happy with the aesthetics and if I had the choice again, I would go down the same route. However, it is early days (surgery done only 6 days ago lol).
You have already been given some amazing advice by others and I would listen to everything and choose what feels right for you. Take your time and know whichever path you take, you will be rid of the bc soon enough and enjoying life again.
) in that I haven’t had any complications.